Chicago Bears: Grading every 2019 NFL Draft pick
Scouting Report. Stephen Denmark. 7. player. 57. Pick Analysis. Cornerback. Valdosta State
Pace doubles up in another position. This time he chooses another cornerback. Stephen Denmark is huge! He measures in at 6-4 and weighs 220 pounds. A lot of wide receivers have to look up at him instead of the other way around.
Measuring in as big as most wide receivers it’s natural to find out that he spent most of his time as a receiver. He was recruited as a receiver, but in his senior year, the coaches decided to move him to cornerback. That was a good idea, as he garnered All-Gulf South Conference Second team honor. He finished the season with 55 tackles (eight for loss), three interceptions and nine pass breakups.
That play got scouts’ attention. Of course, you have the obligatory accusation of not playing with great competition. However, no matter what conference he played in, to do what he did in his first season at the position is a pretty good accomplishment.
Denmark will be a project. That’s what a team like the Bears can do with the defense they have. They can stash him away and work with him without the pressure of being an important part of the rotation. He can take his time and learn, even play in a few snaps.
While he had a very good season, the film shows he still has some learning to do. His footwork needs improvement. In coverage, he looks like he guesses at times. He uses his instincts as a receiver. Also, he depends on his 4.46 speed to make up for his deficiencies. He needs to learn the defensive part of the play a little more.
Next. 2020 NFL Draft: Too early mock draft for next year. dark
With that being said, Denmark’s traits are phenomenal. His size can intimidate some receivers. When he’s going good, he can just stop receivers from running their routes. He also has the instincts to understand the routes and who is getting the ball. On a number of occasions, I saw him leave his man and blow up a play. With his big body, he hits receivers with authority. He does a good job of wrapping up and finishes up well.
Grade: C; This could turn into an A if this project pays off. He’ll have defensive backs coaches salivating and receivers shaking in their cleats if he puts it together.